Little Giant Incubator Tricks

[StudioBellaRose]

Oooh, an experiment. Cool. I like those! I've spent quite a bit of time storing and incubating old eggs, and manage to get quite good results from eggs that are three weeks old, when just about everyone on here says 7-10 days max.

Please report back on your results when you've run a couple of incubations.

You could always think about sitting your eggs in egg cartons, and tipping the bator side to side?

I never thought about just tipping the bator... wow... great idea!!!

 

[refamat]

The hovabator is a lot deeper than the little giant 9200 I received, but also is subject to temperature changes from it's surroundings. It appears that the deeper cooler designs with a larger mass of air inside makes it more stable than either commercial models. I suspect that the plastic coolers, with foam insulation has a better result still because the plastic won't change the humidity level by "hiding" moisture within the styrofoam's micropores. It also would provide a barrier to outside temperatures from direct contact with the styrofoam. Again, the use of ceramic or rock tile strips in the base, even in the water well areas, would help stabilize temperatures.

 

[lclough1998]

I am going to give this a try! My older sister gave me an lg and I may as well see if I can hatch some of my little eggs! Good luck to all!

 

[cmom]

I am going to give this a try! My older sister gave me an lg and I may as well see if I can hatch some of my little eggs! Good luck to all!

If you can hatch in an LG, you can hatch in anything. Good luck and have fun...

 

[lclough1998]

Thanks, set them last night and all went well through the night! Here we go....

 

[JenS]

I was gifted a LG with a fan and egg turner to use in my third grade classroom. Because of it's reputation for being fiddly, I decided to give it a test run at home first. (I'm also running a Brinsea Mini in the classroom.) I set a dozen eggs eggs in the LG March 15. The temperature has been holding steady at 100 degrees, but occasionally it dips to 98. I am afraid to turn the thermostat up and get a temp spike. Should I let it be or what?

 

[Peep_Show]

You didn't mention how often the temps dip or for how long. If it's just occasional I wouldn't be too concerned because I could rationalize that even the bestest broody hen occasionally has to step off the nest for food and water. It might delay the hatch slightly.

I usually keep a couple of thermometers in the incubator -- one on the floor of the incubator and one riding the eggs -- and that way you get a pretty good idea of the mean/average temperature of the egg. (Mine usually runs at 100-101.5 on top and 98-99 on the floor...hatches have been just right.)

 

[JenS]

Mine is running the opposite. 100 on the floor thermomter and 98 on the probe thermometer at the top. I guess I will split the difference between the two and try to relax. It's going to be a long 20 days...

 

[melanie]

Great thread! I didn't get thru all 71 pages (lol), but I still can't figure out how to attach the milk jug lid for a knob. That little post thermostat stump is a little too touchy. I used a skinny screw about an inch long and can't reach anything. It's threaded at the end? Please tell me now to attach a knob. Thanks.

 

[bradselig]

I think just screw it onto the knob? I have not done this, but what do is get a small flashlight and shine it on the adjustment knob. I then get my head now here to see the vertical lines on it and adjust it this way. It is much easier to see it move with the light on it. I don't have any problem adjusting them now.